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Intercultural Food Security Study

The Intercultural Food Security Study was a collaborative research project completed in 2016 which explored community perspectives on how to address food security and health equity among multicultural communities in Richmond. The results will inform future community based research as well as food security and health equity programming.

Food Availability and Access

Social and Cultural Concerns

100% of respondents indicated a desire for cultural foods
28% do not know how to cook with unfamiliar foods
22% indicated that availability of cultural foods is limited

Knowledge of Food Programs and Services

48% of respondents were aware of the food bank
46% were aware of community meal services
26% were aware of community gardens

Food Production

24% of respondents believe that growing food contributes to household food security
15% indicated the desire to access land to grow food

Future research questions

• How can community organizations and local governments collectively develop intercultural food security strategies grounded in principles of fairness and community-building?
• What are the barriers preventing the improvement of knowledge, use, and consumption of new foods?
• How can we improve access to land for local and cultural food production for individual/community use?

Recommended community programs and policies

• Develop a Richmond Food Strategy that fully represents the cultural diversity of Richmond residents and includes principles of fairness and community building.
• Enhance the distribution of resources for food literacy.
• Create and improve access to land for cultural community groups and new immigrants.